Solar-powered plane attempts Japan-Hawaii flight

Solar Impulse 2’s epic journey in pictures

The Solar Impulse 2  plane is undertaking a historic solar-powered journey around the globe. The lightweight plane, a larger version of a single-seat prototype that first flew five years ago, is made of carbon fiber and has 17,248 solar cells built into the wing that supply the plane with renewable energy, via four motors. The solar cells recharge four lithium polymer batteries, which provide power for night flying.    

TOKYO – A solar-powered plane attempting to circumnavigate the globe without fuel took off from Japan early Monday after an unscheduled, month-long stop.

The Solar Impulse 2 departed around 3 a.m. from an airport in Nagoya in central Japan. The plane with one pilot is attempting a 120-hour flight to Hawaii, the longest leg of its journey so far.

The plane requires the right weather conditions, and organizers were withholding an official announcement of the takeoff until they are sure the flight can continue.

"A formal communiqué will be issued once Solar Impulse has passed the Point of No Return and that we know that the Pilot André Borschberg is on a safe track to reach Hawaii," the press team said in an email to journalists.

The Solar Impulse originally left Nanjing, China, for Hawaii, but diverted to Japan on June 1 because of unfavorable weather ahead. It has been waiting for the right conditions to depart.

The flight over the Pacific to Hawaii is risky because there is no place to land in an emergency.

The Solar Impulse 2 is powered by more than 17,000 solar cells on its wings that recharge its batteries, enabling it to fly.

The project is meant to demonstrate the potential of improved energy efficiency and clean power, though solar-powered air travel is not yet commercially practical.